YS Jagan Blasts Chandrababu Naidu for Arresting 70-Year-Old Journalist: “AP Now a Symbol of Anarchy

Former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy lashes out at CM Chandrababu Naidu over the arrest of veteran journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, calling it a dark day for democracy.

Vijayawada: In a strong and scathing statement, YSRCP President and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, has come down heavily on the TDP-led state government under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. The cause of his fury: the arrest of 70-year-old senior journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao, a veteran in Telugu media and a figure widely respected for his objective journalism.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Jagan expressed deep anguish and frustration over what he termed as a “complete collapse of democratic values and a rise in authoritarianism” in Andhra Pradesh. He alleged that Kommineni was arrested for remarks he did not even make during a television debate, branding it a blatant misuse of power and a targeted political vendetta.

“Andhra Pradesh has become a hotbed of anarchy… 70-year-old senior journalist Kommineni Srinivasa Rao has been arrested for comments he did not make, taking the poisonous culture of partisanship to the highest level,” tweeted Jagan.

In his extended Telugu post, YS Jagan painted a bleak picture of governance in the state. He accused Chandrababu Naidu of using the police and state machinery to crush voices of dissent, including journalists, intellectuals, and critics of the ruling government. “Democracy, law, and justice are being murdered in Andhra Pradesh. The very foundations of free speech and media independence are under attack,” he said.

“Anchor Held Responsible for What Panelists Said in Debate”

YS Jagan questioned the rationale behind Kommineni’s arrest, pointing out that anchors cannot be held accountable for comments made by debate participants. “During live debates, speakers express a variety of views—some pro, some anti. It is irrational and undemocratic to blame the anchor for everything said,” he noted. He argued that this act of arresting Kommineni sets a dangerous precedent and is a tool to instill fear in the media community.

Accusations of Political Revenge – YS Jagan

In a startling revelation, YS Jagan alleged that this isn’t the first time Chandrababu Naidu has tried to settle political scores with Kommineni. He reminded the public that during Naidu’s earlier tenure (2014–2019), Kommineni lost his job due to pressure from the ruling government. “Just because he hosted neutral debates, restrictions were imposed on the channel he worked for. This is a repeat of the same vendetta politics,” said Jagan.

Jagan further accused Naidu of attempting to manipulate and suppress major media channels, including launching attacks on Sakshi Media. He claimed that Chandrababu was “diverting topics, distorting narratives, and falsely implicating journalists just because they don’t fall in line.”

“Power Is Temporary, People Will Judge – YS Jagan”

In what appeared to be a direct warning to Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Jagan reminded him that the mandate given by the people lasts only five years. “One year has already passed. After four years, the people will demand answers for the injustices, irregularities, and abuse of power. You will have to take responsibility for the mistakes you’ve made,” he cautioned.

The former CM concluded his post with a philosophical note:

“Do not forget that what you sow today, you will reap tomorrow. The evil traditions you are endorsing now will come back to haunt you twofold.”

Political Reactions and Public Debate

Jagan’s statements have reignited a heated political discourse in Andhra Pradesh. Several opposition leaders and media associations have also condemned Kommineni’s arrest, calling it a blow to press freedom. Rights groups have demanded the immediate release of the journalist and urged the state government to uphold democratic principles.

The Andhra Pradesh Journalists’ Union (APJU) issued a strong statement condemning the arrest and demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident. “This is not just an attack on Kommineni, this is an attack on every journalist who stands for truth,” said an APJU spokesperson.

With rising tensions between the opposition and ruling parties, Andhra Pradesh appears to be entering a turbulent phase. The incident has not only triggered outrage across political circles but has also sparked concern among civil society members over shrinking democratic space and rising intolerance in governance.